Can I Still Achieve an ATAR of 78-90?

[skeletalclown]

I'm sorry about making such a generic thread again, but I'm really stressed about getting at least 78. It's a prerequisite for my course (Access Melbourne Bachelor of Science at UoM), and I'm really stressed about it to the point where it's interfering with my ability to study.

So, I've already done IT Apps (scaled 41) and Bio (scaled 33). I definitely should have tried harder in bio, but I guess what's done is done.
This year I'm doing methods, physics, chem, psych and english.

Methods: I'm managing to average A's on practice exams and am currently ranked first in my class.

Physics: I'm ranked either first or second, and achieving A-A+s on practice exams. (Marked by me though, so potential unconscious bias on short answers).

Chem: I'm ranked first and A/A+'s on practice exams. (Marked by me though, so potential unconscious bias on short answers).

Psych: I'm ranked first, but I'm having trouble marking these papers, plus they're not VCAA, but I'm close to 100% accuracy onmultiple choice to say the least.

English: Here is where I'm worried. I'm ranked second in my class (I'm unsure overall), and I'm not sure how close my teacher's markings are to VCAA markings, so I'm unsure if her 55/60 is even CLOSE to a real 55/60

So yeah, I'm ranked first or second in all my classes, and I'm going well on practice exams, but I'm still very worried for a number of reasons. Firstly, my school is ranked #643 in the state. Secondly, most of these exams are either marked by me, or marked by teachers also marking students at the #643 school, so there's a good chance my marks are higher than is accurate, and finally, English. I've been marked between 52 and 55/60 for the practice exams I've done, but both me and my English teacher have no idea how reflective of actually English exam marks this is, I'm also very far from confident in my English ability.

So, I guess what I'm asking is what should I be doing at this point to prepare as best I can for exams, and how hard will it be for someone in my position to achieve a 78-90 ATAR? Again, sorry about this being so repetitive, I'm just very stressed about this right now. Thanks in advance for any help!!

[12AM]

Nerves and anxiety are a terrible part of year 12 for many, but I would suggest you relax regarding your ATAR for now.

Having already scored 44 in IT and 32 in Biology, the following would get you an ATAR of over 80:

English - 30
Methods - 30
Not turning up to the rest of your exams.

Now, obviously I'm attempting to make a point with the extreme example above.

With two very good 3/4 scores under your belt, if you can perform as just an average student in the exams, you will get above an 80 ATAR. Given your SAC marks/ranks, your obvious consciousness towards your studies, and previous VCE marks, I have no doubt you will achieve your goal.

I was in a very similar position last year, having completed two 3/4's in year 11 with scaled scores almost identical to yourself whilst attending a poorly ranked public school. I was also aiming for the same score and course as yourself. I didn't stress throughout year 12, just made sure I got a decent rank in classes and had a fun year. Because of the guaranteed entry given a 78 ATAR, and the confidence I had in achieving that score, I had a much more relaxing exam period than my friends and other classmates.

Practice over the coming weeks, paying particular attention to Methods and English (as you need minimum scores in those subjects to get into Science). As long as you put in an effort similar to that which got you to this point, you will do fine.

Best of luck.

[skeletalclown]

Thank you, your advice is actually really useful. By the way, I forgot to put this in my original post, but at this stage im doing 1 to 2 practice exams a day (2 to 4 on weekends), and going over any concepts related to the questions I get wrong. Is there anything else I should be doing as well, and is this enough study at this point? (school finishes next wednesday, and that's when I'm going to start doing full days again like I did on the last holidays).

[veryJasonn]

Your SACs don't matter as much as you think they do Sure they do count, but the final exams are far more important. On paper, yes SACs may count for 50%, but the fact that your exams may carry this SAC score means SACs actually count for less.

Personal advice: Figure out your top four subjects, as they will do the ATAR changing the most. It seems that you're ranked near top (if not top) for all your subjects, that's really really good  SACs are all about ranking, nothing else.

Focus on Methods and English. English for obvious reasons, and Methods since that'll most likely be in top four since its really good scaling. Now put effort into either Chemistry or Physics (which ever one you think you're better on). Emphasis on three subjects, I reckon, is beneficial because it makes sure you do well in them. Drop the priority (a lot) on the others, but still put a bit of effort into them. I say this because your IT score last year was superb!

All in all, 78 ATAR is no piece-of-cake for you. I think the guy above me has done the calculations for you, and 78, to be honest, is a low target for you! With a bit of effort and what not, you could easily get 85-90 XD

TL;DR 78 is a walk in the park for you.